1. Hard times will come.
Incredibly hard times. Take a step back and look at who is supporting you and who is pulling away when your life is going to hell. The ones who are holding you up are your true friends.
2. If you want to do something, do it.
Go Greek, go on trips with people you don't know, go on that cool hike you heard about. Better to do something and regret it later than to live a life of "What if..."s. It's easier to start to turning your dreams into realities if you start acting on your wishes.
3. Pay attention to the vibes you get around people or when doing something.
If something feels off, more often than not it is. There's no reason why you should keep someone or something that gives off negative energy in your life. On the other hand, if something feels right, chase that. Cling onto the people who make you feel better about yourself and the world around you.
4. Don't be scared to be a bitch.
Be assertive. Don't let people walk over you.
5. Some people will call you crazy for how you feel.
Don't listen to them; to feel is human. If you overreact, apologize. But the people worth having around won't put you down for feeling; they will try to understand why you feel that way. And you should do the same for others.
6. Admit when you are in the wrong.
It keeps you humble and improves your relationships.
7. Never underestimate the power that a bomb-ass outfit or lingerie or a good makeup look can have as confidence boosters.
It's nice to do something that reminds you of what a badass bitch you are.
8. Also, don't underestimate the power that being comfortable with who you are and what you look like has.
To feel good about yourself regardless of what you look like is truly empowering.
9. Don't assume.
Don't make assumptions about the things people say or how they will feel or if they'll be fine with something. Don't make assumptions about how things will go for you. Just don't do it; running on assumptions is a good way to hurt people and to get hurt.
10. Awful as it is, traumatic things happen.
Breathe. Figure out healthy ways to relax and get your mind off things. Reach out for help. Having the support of doctors and friends and family can help alleviate that weight a bit.
11. Hold on to your hobbies and make time for the things that matter to you.
Don't let your writing or drawing or running fade away in the wake of responsibilities. If you like to do something, keep it in your life, even if that is just doodling on your notes during a study break.
12. Treat yo self, but in moderation.
Definitely indulge in a Lush bath bomb, a Netflix binge session, sleeping in, buying something new. But don't do it so often that you don't have money to go on an adventure or that it's all you do. Treat yourself when you are stressed or have accomplished something, like finishing a project, when you have done something to deserve it.
13. Know your limits.
Being buzzed and getting drunk is fun. Throwing up and passing out is not. And drinking water between shots and drinks will help stave off a hangover.
14. You will fail.
Learn from your failures and keep trying. The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried. To fail is not the end of the world. To fail is to learn what you need to improve, in whatever aspect that may be.
15. Never take anything for granted.
Appreciate what you have in your life. Let people know you love them. You never know when things could be taken away, and how awful to have something ripped away and to realize that you never truly appreciated it until it was gone.
16. Be you.
The only way to avoid criticism is to do nothing at all, and you will be criticized for that too. Learn how to love yourself. Try not to care what other people think of you. You know you better than anyone else. Own that. Life gets more bearable when you like who you are and aren't trying to be someone else.
